The Florida Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office CHAMPIONS are dedicated child welfare advocates who use their lived experiences in the Florida foster care system to influence and improve child advocacy practices. They play a crucial role in shaping policy, informing practices, and enhancing the effectiveness of child welfare initiatives at both local and state levels.

What CHAMPIONS Do

• Advocate: Serve as messengers for children’s rights and child welfare
  advocacy.
• Inform: Contribute insights and suggestions to improve policy and practice.
• Lead: Act as ambassadors and leaders in child advocacy within their communities.

Why It Matters

CHAMPIONS speak from personal experience, sharing raw, emotional, and impactful stories about their time in the foster care system. Their courage to openly discuss their past helps shape priorities and training opportunities, ensuring that future practices are more effective and supportive for children currently in the system.

Notable Engagements

Addressed over 450 people at various functions across Florida.

Presented at prominent events such as:

• The Florida Bar Annual Convention
• Florida Children and Families Summit
• Florida Children and Youth Cabinet
• Testified before Florida Senate and House Committees

For more information or to get in touch with the CHAMPIONS, send an email
CHAMPIONS@gal.fl.gov.